5 Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
Family issues are sensitive and often result in heated arguments. You can avoid such arguments by using an attorney. Another advantage to seeking a neutral legal professional is that family law is complex. There are many reasons to work with a knowledgeable and experienced family lawyer such as the Divorce Lawyer Phoenix AZ locals trust. Here are five of the most common reasons why someone might hire a divorce lawyer:
1. Laws Can Vary by State and County
Family legal matters are guided by state and sometimes county laws. These laws can differ from one state and county to another. What is law in Texas may not be so in New York. In light of this, you need to work with a family lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your state. Such a lawyer should have an understanding of the proceedings and guidelines that may affect your case. In addition, local regulations may also insist on mediation before taking the family dispute to court. A family lawyer who litigates in local court can ensure that you follow both state and county rules.
2. Your Spouse Will Likely Hire a Divorce Lawyer
Even if you’re on good terms now, the divorce process can make quick enemies of any couple or soon to be ex-couple. If if that acrimony is temporary, the effects of the divorce proceeding will be long term or permanent. If your spouse hires an attorney and you don’t, you’re likely to get the short end of the stick. And though your spouse may not play dirty tricks, you can’t be assured that their lawyer will play just as nice. Protect your legal rights by hiring a knowledgeable and experienced divorce lawyer.
3. Assist with Division of Assets
When filing for divorce, you need to work out a custody agreement with your spouse. You will also have to divide your mutual assets. That is probably not all. You may also have to work out details such as where the kids will go to school, retirement plans, health insurance, and inheritance. A common source of contention is the house. In many cases, one party wants to keep the house while the other insists on selling rather than buying out the other spouse. When facing divorce, you may not have the foresight to think about all these issues. A lawyer can help you anticipate and strategize for the foreseeable and unforeseeable issues you may face. This can help you come to a more satisfactory conclusion after the divorce process and avoid complications down the line.
4. Family Issues Can Get Messy
Divorce is often an emotional and stressful process. Given the fact that you are emotionally invested in the events and the outcome, you may not be in a position to remain objective. Most people also make the mistake of dragging their kids into the process. A family lawyer can help you see the bigger picture and arrive at a fair outcome for everyone.
5. Your Children’s Best Interests May Be at Stake
Divorce and other family disputes can have far reaching consequences. Custody agreements should address the changing needs of the children. As kids grow, so do their needs. A family lawyer can often anticipate future issues and develop a strategy that keeps your children’s best interests in mind.
The divorce process is bound by laws and moral guidelines. These laws are subject to regular changes and revisions. It is best to consult with a family lawyer to understand your legal options. This way, you can make an informed decision and get the help you need.
A special thanks to our authors at Hildebrand Law for their insight into Family Law and Divorce Litigation.
Lisa Derr
Lisa Derr is an experienced Divorce and Family Mediator with three offices in east central Wisconsin. She started the family mediation practice in 1995. Lisa earned her BA in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in 1984 in four years despite a serious car accident that involved a 2-month hospital stay. She began practicing law in 1987. For the first 8 years of her career, Lisa litigated personal injury and divorce cases. But she was frustrated with the tremendous financial and emotional cost of divorce trials. Contested hearings inhibited reconciliation and healing for thewhole family. She started the Beaver Dam divorce mediation practice in 1995 and with her partner, Cassel Villarreal, expanded to Oshkosh and West Bend ten years later.